U.S. patent application number 13/978968 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for fuel supplying device.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is Masaki Akagi, Chiaki Kataoka. Invention is credited to Masaki Akagi, Chiaki Kataoka.
Application Number | 20130291967 13/978968 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46506891 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130291967 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kataoka; Chiaki ; et
al. |
November 7, 2013 |
FUEL SUPPLYING DEVICE
Abstract
To provide a fuel supplying device that, in a fuel tank equipped
with plural accommodating portions that accommodate fuel, can
suppress occurrence of running-out of fuel and can send-out fuel in
a short time, even when a liquid surface of fuel of a fuel tank
main body tilts. A sub-cup that has a fuel filter and a storage
member is disposed at each of a first accommodating portion and a
second accommodating portion. A distal end of a vapor discharging
pipe of a fuel pump main body (or a sending-back pipe of a pressure
regulator) is disposed within a second storage member.
Inventors: |
Kataoka; Chiaki;
(Nagakute-shi, JP) ; Akagi; Masaki; (Okazaki-shi,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kataoka; Chiaki
Akagi; Masaki |
Nagakute-shi
Okazaki-shi |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Toyota-shi, Aichi
JP
|
Family ID: |
46506891 |
Appl. No.: |
13/978968 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
January 12, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2011/050376 |
371 Date: |
July 10, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/545 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 2015/03236
20130101; B60K 2015/03144 20130101; Y10T 137/86228 20150401; F02M
37/0023 20130101; B60K 15/03 20130101; F02M 37/10 20130101; B60K
2015/03125 20130101; Y10T 137/86212 20150401; Y10T 137/86075
20150401; B60K 2015/0325 20130101; F02M 37/50 20190101; F02M
37/0094 20130101; B60K 2015/03111 20130101; Y10T 137/7976 20150401;
F02M 37/025 20130101; F02M 37/0058 20130101; F17C 9/00 20130101;
Y10T 137/86035 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/545 |
International
Class: |
F17C 9/00 20060101
F17C009/00 |
Claims
1. A fuel supplying device, comprising: a first fuel accommodating
portion and a second fuel accommodating portion that accommodate
fuel; a first fuel filter that is formed in a shape of a bag and is
provided at the first fuel accommodating portion, and, when fuel
flows into an interior of the first fuel filter, the first fuel
filter removes foreign matter from the fuel, and, in a state in
which a portion or an entirety of the first fuel filter is immersed
in fuel, an oil film produced by the fuel is formed at a surface of
the first fuel filter; a second fuel filter that is formed in a
shape of a bag and is provided at the second fuel accommodating
portion, and, when fuel flows into an interior of the second fuel
filter, the second fuel filter removes foreign matter from the
fuel, and, in a state in which a portion or an entirety of the
second fuel filter is immersed in fuel, an oil film produced by the
fuel is formed at a surface of the second fuel filter; a first
storage member that is provided within the first fuel accommodating
portion and above the first fuel filter, a bottom portion of the
first storage member being structured by at least one portion of an
upper surface of the first fuel filter, and the first storage
member being configured to store fuel; a second storage member that
is provided within the second fuel accommodating portion and above
the second fuel filter, a bottom portion of the second storage
member being structured by at least one portion of an upper surface
of the second fuel filter, and the second storage member being
configured to store fuel; delivery means that delivers fuel to an
exterior, and that is provided with a delivery pipe that extends
from within the first fuel filter to an exterior of the first fuel
accommodating portion, and a fuel pump that is provided at the
delivery pipe; a fuel transporting pipe that communicates the
second fuel filter interior with a fuel suction port of the fuel
pump; and a sending-back pipe that, by operation of the fuel pump,
is configured to send back, to an interior of the second storage
member, a portion of the fuel that flows through the delivery
means.
2. The fuel supplying device of claim 1, wherein the sending-back
pipe is a vapor discharging pipe for discharging fuel including
vapor that is within the fuel pump, and one end of the vapor
discharging pipe is connected to the fuel pump, and another end is
disposed within the second storage member.
3. The fuel supplying device of claim 1, wherein: a pressure
regulator that carries out pressure adjustment of delivered fuel is
provided at the delivery pipe, and the sending-back pipe is a
return pipe for discharging fuel sent return from the pressure
regulator, and one end of the return pipe is connected to the
pressure regulator, and another end is disposed within the second
storage member.
4. The fuel supplying device of claim 1, further comprising: an
opening/closing valve that is provided at the fuel transporting
pipe, and that is opened when the fuel within the second fuel
filter exceeds a predetermined amount, and is closed when the fuel
within the second fuel filter is less than or equal to the
predetermined amount.
5. The fuel supplying device of claim 4, wherein the
opening/closing valve is a float valve that, when there is fuel in
excess of the predetermined amount within the second fuel filter,
floats in the fuel and rises and thereby enters into an open state,
and, when the fuel is less than or equal to the predetermined
amount, falls and enters into a closed state.
6. The fuel supplying device of claim 5, wherein: a space
maintaining member for maintaining a predetermined space within the
second fuel filter is provided within the second fuel filter, and
at least a portion of the space maintaining member comprises a
guiding member that guides vertical movement of the float
valve.
7. The fuel supplying device of claim 1, further comprising: a
communication portion that communicates the fuel transporting pipe
with the sending-back pipe; and a jet pump that is provided at the
communication portion, and generates negative pressure as a result
of fuel that flows through the sending-back pipe, and, by applying
the negative pressure to an interior of the fuel transporting pipe,
the jet pump generates a flow of fuel from the second fuel filter
interior toward an interior of the first storage member.
8. The fuel supplying device of claim 7, wherein the communication
portion is provided at a highest position of the fuel transporting
pipe.
9. The fuel supplying device of claim 1, wherein a pressure loss of
the delivery pipe, at a fuel delivery direction upstream side of
the fuel pump, is set to be greater than a pressure loss of the
fuel transporting pipe.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel supplying device,
and, in more detail, relates to a fuel supplying device for
supplying fuel within a fuel tank to an engine or the like.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Among fuel supplying devices that supply fuel within a fuel
tank to an exterior device such as an engine or the like, there are
fuel supplying devices that are provided with a fuel filter within
a fuel tank main body and that send-out fuel, that is in a state in
which foreign matter has been removed therefrom by the fuel filter,
from within the fuel filter to the exterior. For example, a
structure in which a protector that is rigid is surrounded by a
filter cloth is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2003-139006 (Patent Document 1).
[0003] In the structure of Patent Document 1, because the space
within the filter cloth is ensured by the protector, fuel can be
maintained within the filter cloth at times when the fuel tank is
horizontal. However, in cases in which the fuel tank tilts or g
force is applied to the fuel tank (hereinafter, these cases are
collectively called "times when the liquid surface of the fuel
tilts"), when the fuel within the fuel tank moves away from the
filter cloth, the oil film at the surface of the filter cloth is
broken, and the fuel within the filter cloth flows-out the exterior
(the interior of the fuel tank), and therefore, there is the
concern that so-called running-out of fuel will occur.
[0004] To address this, a fuel supplying device of a structure in
which a cell-shaped cup is disposed at the top surface of a suction
filter and a given amount of fuel held within the cup is supplied
to the filter, is disclosed in the Journal of Technical Disclosure
of the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation No. 2009-506962
(Non-Patent Document 1). By holding fuel on the fuel filter and
causing the fuel to contact the fuel filter in this way, the oil
film of the fuel filter can be maintained.
[0005] By the way, as the structure of a fuel tank, there is a
structure that is provided with plural accommodating portions for
accommodating fuel. Because the fuel pump is disposed at one (this
is called the "first fuel accommodating portion") of the plural
accommodating portions, fuel must be transported to the first fuel
accommodating portion from the accommodating portion at which the
fuel pump is not disposed (this is called the "second fuel
accommodating portion").
[0006] Also in a fuel tank having plural accommodating portions, it
can be thought that a fuel filter with a cup, such as that
disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, is disposed at each of the
accommodating portions. However, for example, in a state in which
the fuel filter of the second fuel accommodating portion is not
immersed, even if an attempt is made to transport fuel from the
second fuel accommodating portion to the first fuel accommodating
portion, a vapor component is transported from the interior of the
fuel filter of the second fuel accommodating portion, and
therefore, there is the concern that a long time will be required
in order to send-out fuel from the first fuel accommodating
portion.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] In view of the above-described circumstances, a topic of the
present invention is to provide a fuel supplying device that, in a
fuel tank that is provided with plural accommodating portions that
accommodate fuel, can suppress the occurrence of fuel supply
exhaustion and can deliver fuel in a short time, even when the
liquid surface of the fuel of the fuel tank tilts.
Solution to Problem
[0008] The present invention comprises: a first fuel accommodating
portion and a second fuel accommodating portion that accommodate
fuel; a first fuel filter that is formed in a shape of a bag and is
provided at the first fuel accommodating portion, and, when fuel
flows into an interior of the first fuel filter, the first fuel
filter removes foreign matter from the fuel, and, in a state in
which a portion or an entirety of the first fuel filter is immersed
in fuel, an oil film produced by the fuel is formed at a surface of
the first fuel filter; a second fuel filter that is formed in a
shape of a bag and is provided at the second fuel accommodating
portion, and, when fuel flows into an interior of the second fuel
filter, the second fuel filter removes foreign matter from the
fuel, and, in a state in which a portion or an entirety of the
second fuel filter is immersed in fuel, an oil film produced by the
fuel is formed at a surface of the second fuel filter; a first
storage member that is provided within the first accommodating
portion and above the first fuel filter, a bottom portion of the
first storage member being structured by at least one portion of an
upper surface of the first fuel filter, and the first storage
member being configured to store fuel; a second storage member that
is provided within the second accommodating portion and above the
second fuel filter, a bottom portion of the second storage member
being structured by at least one portion of an upper surface of the
second fuel filter, and the second storage member being configured
to store fuel; a delivery means that delivers fuel to an exterior,
and that is provided with a delivery pipe that extends from within
the first fuel filter to an exterior of the first fuel
accommodating portion, and a fuel pump that is provided at the
delivery pipe; a fuel transporting pipe that communicates the
second fuel filter interior with a fuel suction port of the fuel
pump; and a sending-back pipe that, by operation of the fuel pump,
is configured to send back, to an interior of the second storage
member, a portion of the fuel that flows through the delivery
means.
[0009] In this fuel supplying device, the first fuel filter and the
first storage member are provided at the first fuel accommodating
portion, and the second fuel filter and the second fuel
accommodating portion are provided at the second fuel accommodating
portion. Due to the driving of the fuel pump that structures the
delivery means, fuel within the first fuel accommodating portion
passes through the first fuel filter (at this time, foreign matter
of the fuel is removed), and flows into the interior of the first
fuel filter. Then, the fuel at the interior of the first fuel
filter is delivered through the delivery pipe to the exterior.
[0010] In the state in which a portion of or the entire first fuel
filter is immersed in fuel, an oil film of the fuel is formed at
the surface of the first fuel filter, and therefore, fuel within
the first fuel filter does not flow out. As a result, fuel can be
delivered to the exterior without causing fuel supply
exhaustion.
[0011] The first storage member that can store fuel is provided
above the first fuel filter. The bottom portion of the first
storage member is structured by at least a portion of the upper
surface of the first fuel filter. Accordingly, when the liquid
surface of the fuel of the first storage member tilts, even if the
fuel within the first fuel accommodating portion (at the exterior
of the first storage member) moves away from the first fuel filter,
the fuel stored at the interior of the first storage member can
maintain the state of contacting the upper surface of the first
fuel filter, and therefore, the oil film of the surface of the
first fuel filter is maintained. As a result, flowing-out of the
fuel within the first fuel filter can be prevented, and fuel can be
delivered to the exterior without causing fuel supply
exhaustion.
[0012] Further, due to driving of the fuel pump, fuel within the
second fuel accommodating portion passes through the second fuel
filter (at this time, foreign matter is removed from the fuel), and
flows into the interior of the second fuel filter. Then, the fuel
at the interior of the second fuel filter is transported through
the fuel transporting pipe to the fuel pump.
[0013] In the state in which a portion of or the entire second fuel
filter is immersed in fuel, an oil film of the fuel is formed at
the surface of the second fuel filter, and therefore, fuel within
the second fuel filter does not flow out. As a result, fuel can be
delivered to the exterior without causing fuel supply
exhaustion.
[0014] The second storage member that can store fuel is provided
above the second fuel filter. The bottom portion of the second
storage member is structured by at least a portion of the upper
surface of the second fuel filter. Accordingly, when the liquid
surface of the fuel of the second storage member tilts, even if the
fuel within the second fuel accommodating portion (at the exterior
of the second storage member) moves away from the second fuel
filter, the fuel stored at the interior of the second storage
member can maintain the state of contacting the upper surface of
the second fuel filter, and therefore, the oil film of the surface
of the second fuel filter is maintained. As a result, flowing-out
of the fuel within the second fuel filter can be prevented, and
fuel can be transported to the first storage portion interior
without causing fuel supply exhaustion.
[0015] Further, this fuel supplying device has the sending-back
pipe. Due to driving of the fuel pump, the sending-back pipe
returns, to the second storage member interior, a portion of the
fuel that flows through the delivery means (which may be the fuel
pump or may be the delivery pipe). Therefore, the state in which
fuel exists at the second storage member interior, i.e., the state
in which fuel contacts the upper surface of the second fuel filter,
can be maintained more reliably. The oil film of the second fuel
filter is maintained, suctioning of vapor into the second fuel
filter interior can be suppressed, and transportation of a vapor
component from the second fuel accommodating portion (the second
fuel filter) toward the first fuel accommodating portion (the first
storage member) can also be suppressed. As a result, delivery of
fuel from the first fuel accommodating portion by driving of the
fuel pump can be carried out in a short time.
[0016] The present invention may be structured such that the
sending-back pipe is a vapor discharging pipe for discharging fuel
including vapor that is within the fuel pump, and one end of the
vapor discharging pipe is connected to the fuel pump, and another
end is disposed within the second storage member.
[0017] As a result, the sending-back pipe can be structured by
effectively using a vapor discharging pipe.
[0018] The present invention may be structured such that a pressure
regulator that carries out pressure adjustment of delivered fuel is
provided at the delivery pipe, and the sending-back pipe is a
return pipe for discharging fuel returned from the pressure
regulator, and one end of the return pipe is connected to the
pressure regulator, and another end is disposed within the second
storage member.
[0019] As a result, the sending-back pipe can be structured by
effectively using a return pipe.
[0020] The present invention may be structured so as to comprise an
opening/closing valve that is provided at the fuel transporting
pipe, and that is opened when the fuel within the second fuel
filter exceeds a predetermined amount, and is closed when the fuel
within the second fuel filter is less than or equal to the
predetermined amount.
[0021] As a result, in the state in which the fuel within the
second fuel filter becomes less than or equal to the predetermined
amount, transportation of a vapor component from the second fuel
filter interior to the first storage member due to driving of the
fuel pump can be prevented.
[0022] Note that this "predetermined amount" is a threshold value
at which the concern arises that a vapor component will be
transported from the second fuel filter interior toward the first
storage member. If fuel exceeding this predetermined amount exists
within the second fuel filter, even if the opening/closing valve
opens, the vapor component is not transported toward the first
storage member.
[0023] As the opening/closing valve, a structure may be provided in
which the opening/closing valve is a float valve that, when there
is fuel in excess of the predetermined amount within the second
fuel filter, floats in the fuel and rises and thereby enters into
an open state, and, when the fuel is less than or equal to the
predetermined amount, falls and enters into a closed state.
[0024] As a result, the opening/closing valve can be structured
without requiring a complex mechanism.
[0025] A structure in which the opening/closing valve is a flapper
valve may be structured such that a space maintaining member for
maintaining a predetermined space within the second fuel filter is
provided within the second fuel filter, and at least a portion of
the space maintaining member comprises a guiding member that guides
vertical movement of the float valve.
[0026] As a result of the space maintaining member, a space for
storing fuel can be maintained at the interior of the second
storage member.
[0027] Further, by guiding the vertical movement of the float valve
with a guiding member, stable behavior of the float valve is
enabled.
[0028] Because the guiding member structures at least a portion of
the space maintaining member, the number of parts is few as
compared with a structure in which the guiding member is disposed
independently.
[0029] The present invention may be structured so as to comprise: a
communication portion that communicates the fuel transporting pipe
with the sending-back pipe; and a jet pump that is provided at the
communication portion, and generates negative pressure as a result
of fuel that flows through the sending-back pipe, and, by applying
the negative pressure to an interior of the fuel transporting pipe,
the jet pump generates a flow of fuel from the second fuel filter
interior toward an interior of the first storage member.
[0030] Pressure that transports fuel from the second fuel filter
interior toward the first storage member interior is generated not
only by the fuel pump, but by the jet pump as well, and efficient
transporting of fuel is possible.
[0031] Moreover, the negative pressure of the return pipe acts on
the fuel transporting pipe through the communication portion.
Therefore, even if a vapor component exists within the fuel that is
within the fuel transporting pipe, at least a portion of this vapor
component is moved to the return pipe and can be returned to the
interior of the second storage member.
[0032] The structure that is provided with this jet pump may be
structured such that the communication portion is provided at a
highest position of the fuel transporting pipe.
[0033] As a result, a vapor component within the fuel transporting
pipe can be effectively moved to the return pipe.
[0034] The present invention may be structured such that a pressure
loss of the delivery pipe, at a fuel delivery direction upstream
side of the fuel pump, is set to be greater than a pressure loss of
the fuel transporting pipe.
[0035] As a result, when the fuel pump is driven, before the fuel
within the first fuel filter is consumed, the fuel within the
second fuel filter is consumed first. Therefore, as compared with a
case in which fuel within the first fuel filter is consumed first,
fuel supply exhaustion can be suppressed more reliably.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0036] Because the present invention has the above-described
configuration, in a fuel tank that is provided with plural
accommodating portions that accommodate fuel, the occurrence of
fuel supply exhaustion can be suppressed and fuel can be delivered
in a short time, even when the liquid surface of the fuel of the
fuel tank tilts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel supplying
device of a first embodiment of the present invention, together
with the overall structure of a fuel tank main body in a state in
which a sufficient amount of fuel exists within the fuel tank main
body.
[0038] FIG. 1B is an enlarged sectional view of portion 1B of FIG.
1A, showing the fuel supplying device of the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 1C is an enlarged sectional view of portion 1C of FIG.
1A, showing the fuel supplying device of the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing, partially and in
an enlarged manner, a first sub-cup of the fuel supplying device of
the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing, partially and in
an enlarged manner, a second sub-cup of the fuel supplying device
of the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing, in a cross-section
in the horizontal direction, a float valve that structures the fuel
supplying device of the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing the fuel supplying
device of the first embodiment of the present invention, together
with the overall structure of the fuel tank main body in a state in
which there is little fuel within a second accommodating
portion.
[0044] FIG. 5B is an enlarged sectional view of portion 5B of FIG.
5A, showing the fuel supplying device of the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 5C is an enlarged sectional view of portion 5C of FIG.
5A, showing the fuel supplying device of the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the fuel supplying
device of the first embodiment of the present invention, together
with the overall structure of the fuel tank main body in a state in
which there is even less fuel within the second accommodating
portion.
[0047] FIG. 6B is an enlarged sectional view of portion 6B of FIG.
6A, showing the fuel supplying device of the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 6C is an enlarged sectional view of portion 6C of FIG.
6A, showing the fuel supplying device of the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel supplying
device of a second embodiment of the present invention, together
with the overall structure of the fuel tank main body in a state in
which a sufficient amount of fuel exists within the fuel tank main
body.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0050] The overall structure of a fuel supplying device 12 of a
first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A.
Further, the fuel supplying device 12 is shown partially and in an
enlarged manner in FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C and FIG. 2 through FIG. 4. In
FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the fuel is omitted for
convenience of illustration, but, in actuality, fuel GS exists
appropriately within the fuel tank 12.
[0051] This fuel supplying device 12 has a fuel tank main body 14
in which the fuel GS is accommodated. The fuel tank main body 14 of
the present embodiment has two low position portions 34A, 34B at
both sides in the transverse direction, and, between these low
position portions 34A, 34B, a high position portion 36 that is
formed at a position that is relatively higher than the low
position portions 34A, 34B. Namely, at the fuel tank main body 14,
the low position portions 34A, 34B are formed at the both sides of
the single high position portion 36, and the fuel tank main body 14
is, overall, a saddle-shaped fuel tank having a first fuel
accommodating portion 38M and a second fuel accommodating portion
38S.
[0052] Note that the present embodiment gives an example in which
the first fuel accommodating portion 38M is formed to be larger
than the second fuel accommodating portion 38S. However, the
relationship between the relative magnitudes of the volumes thereof
is not limited, and the first fuel accommodating portion 38M and
the second fuel accommodating portion 38S may have volumes of about
the same extent. Hereinafter, in cases in which there is no
particular need to differentiate between the first fuel
accommodating portion 38M and the second fuel accommodating portion
38S, explanation is given simply of a fuel accommodating portion
38.
[0053] An unillustrated inlet pipe is provided at the upper portion
of the first fuel accommodating portion 38M side, and fuel can be
supplied to the first fuel accommodating portion 38M. Members that
structure the automobile, such as a transaxle and the like for
example, are disposed between the first fuel accommodating portion
38M and the second fuel accommodating portion (beneath the high
position portion 36), and efficient utilization of the space is
devised.
[0054] A first sub-cup 15M is disposed in the first fuel
accommodating portion 38M, and a second sub-cup 15S is disposed in
the second fuel accommodating portion 38S. The sizes of the first
sub-cup 15M and the second sub-cup 15S differ in accordance with
the capacities of the first fuel accommodating portion 38M and the
second fuel accommodating portion 38S, but the basic structures
thereof are the same. Hereinafter, in cases in which there is no
particular need to differentiate between the first sub-cup 15M and
the second sub-cup 15S, explanation is given simply of a sub-cup
15.
[0055] The sub-cup 15 has a fuel filter 16. Hereinafter, a first
fuel filter 16M of the first sub-cup 15M and a second fuel filter
16S of the second sub-cup 15S are differentiated as needed, but,
when there is no need to differentiate therebetween, explanation is
given simply of the fuel filter 16.
[0056] The fuel filter 16 passes the fuel GS from the outer side
toward the inner side thereof, and is formed substantially in a bag
shape of a material (e.g., a woven cloth, a non-woven cloth, a
porous resin, or the like) having the effect of, at that time,
removing foreign matter within the fuel and making it such that the
foreign matter does not flow into the interior of the fuel filter
16. Further, the fuel GS that has passed through the fuel filter 16
can be stored in the interior thereof.
[0057] Moreover, in a state in which at least a portion of the fuel
filter 16 is immersed in the fuel within the fuel accommodating
portion 38, an oil film LM due to the fuel GS is formed and
maintained at the surface of the fuel filter 16.
[0058] In the present embodiment, in particular, two non-woven
cloths of the same shape (e.g., the shape may be a polygonal shape
such as quadrangular or the like, or may be circular or oval or the
like) are joined together only at the peripheries thereof, and an
upper surface filter cloth 16U and a lower surface filter cloth 16L
are made to be shapes that are curved so as to be convex upwardly
and downwardly, respectively. Accordingly, a space for
accommodating the fuel GS is structured between the upper surface
filter cloth 16U and the lower surface filter cloth 16L.
[0059] The material of the upper surface filter cloth 16U and the
lower surface filter cloth 16L is not limited to the
above-described non-woven cloth, and may be a woven cloth or
sponge-like member, or a mesh-like member, or the like.
[0060] The fuel filter 16 (in particular, the lower surface filter
cloth 16L) is disposed along a bottom wall 14B of the fuel tank
main body 14 so as to be substantially parallel thereto. As shown
by arrow F1 in FIG. 1, the fuel GS can be made to flow-in into the
fuel filter 16 through the gap between the fuel filter 16 and the
bottom wall 14B. Moreover, the fuel filter 16 extends along the
bottom wall 14B, and, even when the amount of the fuel GS within
the fuel accommodating portion 38 becomes low or tends toward one
side or the like, the state in which a portion of the fuel filter
16 is immersed in the fuel GS can be maintained more reliably.
[0061] In the present embodiment, in particular, the upper surface
filter cloth 16U and the lower surface filter cloth 16L are made to
be different materials, and the materials of these filter cloths
are selected such that the pressure loss of the upper surface
filter cloth 16U is greater than the pressure loss of the lower
surface filter cloth 16L.
[0062] What is called "pressure loss" here is the difference in
pressure before and after passage at the time when the fuel GS
passes-through the upper surface filter cloth 16U or the lower
surface filter cloth 16L (e.g., at the time of driving a fuel pump
main body 42 that is described later). Accordingly, it is
relatively easier to make the fuel GS pass through the lower
surface filter cloth 16L than the upper surface filter cloth
16U.
[0063] In the present embodiment, in order to provide a difference
in the pressure losses in this way, the upper surface filter cloth
16U is made to be a structure in which the total surface area of
the voids of the non-woven cloth is smaller than that of the lower
surface filter cloth 16L. However, the pressure losses of the upper
surface filter cloth 16U and the lower surface filter cloth 16L may
be the same extent.
[0064] A space structuring member 46 is disposed between the upper
surface filter cloth 16U and the lower surface filter cloth 16L.
Due to this space structuring member 46, at the first fuel filter
16M of the first sub-cup 15M, the shape in which the upper surface
filter cloth 16U is curved concavely upward and the lower surface
filter cloth 16L is curved downward is maintained, and, due
thereto, a space for storing the fuel GS can be reliably maintained
therebetween. Further, at the second fuel filter 16S of the second
sub-cup 15S in particular, two of the space structuring members 46
are disposed with an interval vertically therebetween. Due thereto,
a gap, that is larger than that of the first fuel filter 16M of the
first sub-cup 15M, is structured between the upper surface filter
cloth 16U and the lower surface filter cloth 16L.
[0065] A storage member 18 is provided above the fuel filter 16.
Hereinafter, a first storage member 18M of the first sub-cup 15M
and a second storage member 18S of the second sub-cup 15S are
differentiated as needed, but, when there is no need to
differentiate therebetween, explanation is given simply of the
storage member 18.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the storage member 18 of the
present embodiment has a side wall tube 20 that is tube-shaped and
that stands vertically from the outer edge portion of the fuel
filter 16. The lower surface of the side wall tube 20 is joined
(e.g., welded) to the outer peripheral portion of the fuel filter
16. The sub-cup 15 is structured by the fuel filter 16 and the
storage member 18. Further, the side wall tube 20 is the peripheral
edge portion of the storage member 18.
[0067] In the present embodiment, joining pieces 26 are formed at
the lower portion of the side wall tube 20. The joining pieces 26
increase the joined surface area of the side wall tube 20 and the
fuel filter 16 and improve the joining strength, and have the
effect of suppressing upward movement of the fuel filter 16 when
the fuel GS flows-in into the fuel filter 16 through the lower
surface filter cloth 16L. Note that these joining pieces 26 can be
omitted.
[0068] Moreover, a cover plate portion 22 extends from the upper
end of the side wall tube 20 toward the center in plan view.
Further, the storage member 18 is structured by the upper surface
filter cloth 16U of the fuel filter 16, in addition to the side
wall tube 20 and the cover plate portion 22. In other words, the
bottom portion of the storage member 18 is structured by the upper
surface filter cloth 16U.
[0069] The fuel GS can be stored above the fuel filter 16 within
the storage member 18. A flow-in hole 24, that passes through the
cover plate portion 22 in the thickness direction, is formed in the
central portion of the cover plate portion 22. As shown by arrows
F3, the fuel GS of the first fuel accommodating portion 38M and the
second fuel accommodating portion 38S flows through the flow-in
holes 24 into the interiors of the first storage member 18M and the
second storage member 18S, respectively.
[0070] As can be understood from FIG. 1, a fuel pump module 32 is
provided above the first sub-cup 15M of the first fuel
accommodating portion 38M. The fuel pump module 32 has the fuel
pump main body 42. A fuel suction pipe 44A extends downward from
the fuel pump main body 42. The lower end of the fuel suction pipe
44A is inserted through the flow-in hole 24 of the first storage
member 18M, and is further passes through the upper surface filter
cloth 16U of the first fuel filter 16M, and opens within the fuel
filter 16.
[0071] As can be understood from FIG. 2, at the first sub-cup 15M
of the first fuel accommodating portion 38M, the internal dimension
of the flow-in hole 24 is made to be larger than the outer diameter
of the fuel suction pipe 44A. Therefore, the hole edge of the
flow-in hole 24 does not contact the fuel suction pipe 44A, and, as
shown by arrows F2, the fuel GS can flow into the interior of the
first storage member 18M through a gap 28 therebetween.
[0072] Further, a fuel disgorge pipe 44B extends from the fuel pump
main body 42 at the upper side thereof, and passes through a top
wall 14T of the fuel tank main body 14 and extends-out to the
exterior. Due to driving of the fuel pump main body 42, fuel is
sucked-in at the fuel suction pipe 44A, and the fuel GS can be
supplied to an unillustrated engine from the fuel disgorge pipe
44B. A fuel delivery pipe 44 of the present embodiment is
structured by the fuel suction pipe 44A and the fuel disgorge pipe
44B.
[0073] A pressure regulator 48 is disposed midway along the fuel
disgorge pipe 44B. The pressure regulator 48 adjusts pressure such
that the pressure of the fuel GS, that is being sent-out from the
fuel pump main body 42, is within a predetermined range, and sends
the fuel GS out to the exterior (the engine or the like).
[0074] The upper end of a return pipe 50 is connected to the
pressure regulator 48. The fuel GS, that becomes surplus at the
time of the aforementioned pressure adjustment, is returned through
the return pipe 50 to the fuel tank main body 14 interior as return
fuel. In particular, in the present embodiment, the lower end of
the return pipe 50 is positioned within the first storage member
18M of the first fuel accommodating portion 38M, and returns the
return fuel to this first storage member 18M interior.
[0075] A merging portion 44J is set at the intermediate portion of
the fuel suction pipe 44A. The merging portion 44J and the interior
of the second fuel filter 16S of the second fuel accommodating
portion 38S are connected by a fuel transporting pipe 52. Namely,
the fuel transporting pipe 52 is connected, via a portion of the
fuel suction pipe 44A, to a fuel suction port (not shown) of the
fuel pump main body 42.
[0076] Because the fuel transporting pipe 52 is connected to the
fuel suction port of the fuel pump main body 42 in this way, the
fuel GS within the second fuel filter 16S can be sucked through the
fuel transporting pipe 52 due to the driving of the fuel pump main
body 42. Then, the sucked fuel GS is merged with the fuel suction
pipe 44A from the merging portion 44J. Accordingly, the fuel GS
within the second fuel filter 16S of the second fuel accommodating
portion 38S also can be sent-out to the exterior from the fuel
disgorge pipe 44B.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 3, the flow-in hole 24 is formed also in
the second storage member 18S of the second fuel accommodating
portion 38S. The internal dimension of the flow-in hole 24 is made
to be larger than the outer diameter of the fuel transporting pipe
52. Therefore, the hole edge of the flow-in hole 24 does not
contact the fuel transporting pipe 52, and the fuel GS can flow
into the interior of the second storage member 18S through the gap
28 therebetween.
[0078] The pressure loss of the fuel suction pipe 44A (in
particular, the portion from the lower end of the fuel suction pipe
44A to the merging portion 44J) is set to be larger than the
pressure loss of the fuel transporting pipe 52. In other words, the
flow resistance of the fuel GS at the fuel suction pipe 44A is
larger than the flow resistance of the fuel at the fuel
transporting pipe 52. Accordingly, in a case in which the fuel GS
can be sucked from both the first fuel filter 16M and the second
fuel filter 16S due to the driving of the fuel pump main body 42,
first, the fuel GS is sucked preferentially from the second fuel
filter 16S interior.
[0079] A float valve 54 is disposed at the fuel transporting pipe
52 at the portion thereof within the second fuel filter 16S. The
float valve 54 is an example of the opening/closing valve of the
present invention. As is shown in detail in FIG. 1B as well, the
float valve 54 has a float portion 54F of a specific gravity such
that the float portion 54F floats in the fuel GS within the second
fuel filter 16S, and a valve portion 548 that is disc-shaped and is
disposed at the upper portion of this float portion 54F. The valve
portion 54B and the float portion 54F are connected by a connecting
portion 54C.
[0080] A valve seat 58 is formed at the fuel transporting pipe 52,
and a through-hole 56 is formed in the center of the valve seat 58.
The connecting portion 54C is inserted through, and the valve
portion 54B is positioned above the valve seat 58. As shown in FIG.
1B and FIG. 5B, in a state in which an amount of the fuel GS that
exceeds a predetermined amount exists within the second fuel filter
16S, the float portion 54F floats in the fuel GS, and therefore,
the valve portion 54B moves away from the valve seat 58. Because
the float valve 54 is open, fuel can move from the interior of the
second fuel filter 16S to the fuel transporting pipe 52.
[0081] Note that, as shown in detail in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, plural
ribs 60 are formed at the top surface of the float portion 54F. The
ribs 60 make it such that, even if the float portion 54F floats,
the float portion 54F does not fit tightly to the bottom surface of
the valve seat 58. Due thereto, gaps through which the fuel GS can
pass arise between the float portion 54F and the valve seat 58. The
plural ribs 60 are set apart from one another, and, in the state in
which the float portion 54F has risen, the fuel GS moves in the
gaps between the ribs 60.
[0082] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6B, in a case in which the
amount of the fuel GS within the second fuel filter 16S is less
than or equal to the predetermined amount (also including cases in
which the fuel GS does not exist), the float portion 54F falls, and
therefore, the valve portion 54B fits tightly to the top surface of
the valve seat 58. Because the float valve 54 is closed, the vapor
component within the second fuel filter 16S no longer moves to the
fuel transporting pipe 52.
[0083] Note that this "predetermined amount" is a threshold value
at which, in a case in which a vapor component exists within the
second fuel filter 16S, there is the possibility that this vapor
component will move to the fuel transporting pipe 52.
[0084] A guiding member 62 that is tubular is formed at the space
structuring member 46 of the second fuel accommodating portion 38S.
The guiding member 62 surrounds the float portion 54F from the
periphery thereof, and, when the float portion 54 moves vertically,
the guiding member 62 guides the float portion 54F vertically so
that the float portion 54F does not inadvertently move in the
lateral direction. Communication holes 62H are formed in the
guiding member 62, and movement of the fuel GS from the outer side
toward the inner side of the guiding member 62 is possible.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 1A, a vapor discharging port (not
illustrated), that discharges, together with the fuel (liquid
component), vapor (a vapor component) that is generated due to
boiling under reduced pressure or the like of the fuel GS within
the fuel pump main body 42, is provided at the fuel pump main body
42. One end of a vapor discharging pipe 64 is connected to this
vapor discharging port. In the present embodiment, the vapor
discharging pipe 64 is an example of the sending-back pipe of the
present invention.
[0086] As shown in detail in FIG. 3 as well, the other end of the
vapor discharging pipe 64 is positioned within the second storage
member 18S (above the upper surface filter cloth 16U). Accordingly,
vapor (the vapor component), that has been generated within the
fuel pump main body 42, is discharged into the second storage
member 18S together with fuel (the liquid component).
[0087] In the present embodiment, the vapor discharging pipe 64 is
positioned further upward than the fuel transporting pipe 52, above
the high position portion 36. Further, the intermediate portion of
the fuel transporting pipe 52 and the intermediate portion of the
vapor discharging pipe 64 are disposed adjacent to one another,
and, at an adjacent portion 66 (the highest level of the fuel
transporting pipe 52), the fuel transporting pipe 52 and the vapor
discharging pipe 64 are communicated by a communication portion
74.
[0088] A jet pump 68 is provided at the communication portion 74.
As shown in detail in FIG. 1C, the jet pump 68 has an enlarged
diameter portion 70 at which the diameter of the vapor discharging
pipe 64 is enlarged locally at the adjacent portion 66. The portion
of the vapor discharging pipe 64, which portion is further toward
the fuel pump main body 42 side than this enlarged diameter portion
70, extends within the enlarged diameter portion 70, and a throttle
portion 72 is formed at the extending end.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 5C as well, when the fluids (vapor and
fuel), that flow through the vapor discharging pipe 64 in the arrow
F5 direction, reach the enlarged diameter portion 70 from the
throttle portion 72, negative pressure is generated within the
enlarged diameter portion 70. This negative pressure is applied
through the communication portion 74 to the fuel transporting pipe
52. Therefore, when the fuel GS within the second fuel filter 16S
is sucked, not only the suction force of the fuel pump main body
42, but also the suction force due to this negative pressure is
applied to the fuel GS within the second fuel filter 16S, and a
flow of the fuel GS from the second fuel filter 16S interior toward
the first storage member 18M is generated.
[0090] Further, even if a vapor component such as air bubbles or
the like exists in the fuel GS that is being transported within the
fuel transporting pipe 52 in the arrow F6 direction, because the
vapor discharging pipe 64 is positioned further upward than the
fuel transporting pipe 52, the air bubbles or the like can be made
to move through the communication portion 74 to the vapor
discharging pipe 64. The air bubbles that have moved to the vapor
discharging pipe are discharged through the vapor discharging pipe
64 to the interior of the second storage member 18S.
[0091] In particular, in the present embodiment, the adjacent
portion of the fuel transporting pipe 52 and the vapor discharging
pipe 64 is provided at the highest position of the fuel
transporting pipe 52, and the communication portion 74 is disposed
at this portion. Namely, the jet pump 68 is provided at the highest
position of the fuel transporting pipe 52. Therefore, air bubbles
within the fuel transporting pipe 52 can effectively be made to
move to the vapor discharging pipe 64.
[0092] Operation of the fuel supplying device 12 of the present
embodiment is described next.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 1A, in the state in which a sufficient
amount of the fuel GS exists within the fuel tank main body 14
(e.g., the state in which a fuel liquid surface LS is higher than
the high position portion 36), at both of the first fuel
accommodating portion 38M and the second fuel accommodating portion
38S, the fuel GS flows into the storage member 18 through the gap
28, and the fuel GS is stored within the storage member 18.
Further, in this state, as can be understood from FIG. 1B, the fuel
GS, that is in excess of the predetermined amount, exists also
within the second fuel filter 16S of the second sub-cup 15S, and
therefore, the float valve 54 rises. Due thereto, as shown by
arrows F7, movement of the fuel GS from the fuel filter 16 interior
toward the fuel transporting pipe 52 is possible.
[0094] Here, when the fuel pump main body 42 is driven, the fuel GS
within the first fuel filter 16M is sucked-up through the fuel
suction pipe 44A as shown by arrow F0. Together therewith, as shown
by arrow F6, the fuel GS within the second fuel filter 16S is
sucked-up from the fuel transporting pipe 52 and is transported via
the merging portion 44J and the fuel suction pipe 44A. Then, the
fuel GS is supplied from the fuel disgorge pipe 44B to an
unillustrated engine or the like. At both the first sub-cup 15M and
the second sub-cup 15S, foreign matter within the fuel is removed
by the fuel filter 16.
[0095] In the present embodiment, in particular, the pressure loss
of the lower surface filter cloth 16L is lower (smaller) than the
pressure loss of the upper surface filter cloth 16U. Therefore,
more fuel GS substantially passes-through the lower surface filter
cloth 16L, and, as shown by arrows F2, flows into the fuel filter
16 interior. Further, as shown by arrows F3, the fuel GS within the
fuel tank main body 14 flows through the gap 28 into the storage
member 18 interior.
[0096] At this time, if at least one portion of the fuel filter 16
is immersed within the fuel, the oil film LM of the surface is
maintained. Further, from the surface tension of the oil film, the
energy that is needed in order to send-out the fuel is the
relationship
(vapor suction from vapor phase)>(fuel suction from liquid
phase)
and therefore, only the fuel GS that is the liquid component is
sucked and flows into the fuel filter 16 interior. Further, in
these states, the fuel GS within the fuel filter 16 can be sent-out
to the exterior due to the driving of the fuel pump module 32.
[0097] Further, in the present embodiment, the pressure loss of the
fuel suction pipe 44A is set to be larger than the pressure loss of
the fuel transporting pipe 52. Therefore, due to the driving of the
fuel pump main body 42, the fuel GS is preferentially sucked from
the second fuel filter 16S interior rather than first fuel filter
16M interior. By sending-out the fuel GS that is within the second
sub-cup 15S to the exterior more preferentially than the fuel GS
that is within the first sub-cup 15M in this way, the fuel GS can
be held more reliably within the first fuel accommodating portion
38M than within the second fuel accommodating portion 38S.
[0098] Here, cases in which the fuel tank main body 14 tilts due to
the vehicle traveling on a slope, and cases in which G acts on the
fuel tank main body 14 at times of acceleration/deceleration or at
times of turning or the like, are considered. In these cases, there
are cases in which the fuel GS of the fuel tank main body 14 tends
toward one side and liquid surface fluctuations, such as the fuel
liquid surface LS tilting, arise (times when the liquid surface of
the fuel tilts). In the fuel supplying device 12 of the present
embodiment, because relatively more of the fuel GS remains in the
first fuel accommodating portion 38M, the effect of preventing the
occurrence of running-out of fuel at times when the liquid surface
of the fuel tilts is strong.
[0099] When the fuel GS is preferentially sent-out from the second
fuel accommodating portion 38S as described above, it is assumed
that, as shown in FIG. 5A, the amount of fuel of the second fuel
accommodating portion 38S becomes smaller than the amount of fuel
of the first fuel accommodating portion 38M. However, if at least
one portion (the lower surface filter cloth 16L in the present
embodiment) of the second fuel filter 16S is immersed in the fuel
GS, the oil film LM due to the fuel is formed and maintained at the
surface of the second fuel filter 16S.
[0100] When the fuel pump main body 42 is driven, there are cases
in which vapor (a vapor component of the fuel) is generated due to
boiling under reduced pressure or the like of the fuel GS within
the fuel pump main body 42. As shown by arrows F5 in FIG. 5A and
FIG. 5C, the fuel that includes this vapor is discharged from the
vapor discharging port (not illustrated) via the vapor discharging
pipe 64 into the second storage member 18S. Accordingly, even in a
state in which the amount of fuel within the second fuel
accommodating portion 38S becomes low, there is a high possibility
that the fuel GS will be stored within the second storage member
18S.
[0101] The bottom portion of the second storage member 18S is
structured by the upper surface filter cloth 16U of the fuel filter
16. Namely, in the present embodiment, because the state in which
the fuel GS is stored in the second storage member 18S is
maintained, the state in which a portion of the second fuel filter
16S is immersed in the fuel GS also is maintained. Due thereto, the
oil film LM that is formed at the surface of the second fuel filter
16S is continuously maintained. Accordingly, at the second sub-cup
15S, running-out of the oil film LM within the second fuel filter
16S is suppressed, and the fuel GS within the storage member 18
flows-in.
[0102] In this way, in the fuel supplying device 12 of the present
embodiment, the oil film LM of the second fuel filter 16S of the
second sub-cup 15S can be maintained more reliably, and therefore,
vapor inadvertently flowing into the second fuel filter 16S
interior is suppressed. Namely, due to the driving of the fuel pump
main body 42, more (preferably all of) the fuel of the second fuel
accommodating portion 38S can be sent-out.
[0103] Moreover, even in eases such as when the fuel GS moves from
the first fuel accommodating portion 38M toward the second fuel
accommodating portion 38S when the liquid surface of the fuel tilts
for example, the path from the second fuel filter 16S of the second
fuel accommodating portion 38S to the fuel pump main body 42 can be
maintained in a state of being fully filled with liquid (a state in
which a vapor component does not exist). When a vapor component
exists, the need to discharge the vapor component at the time of
driving the fuel pump main body 42 arises, and therefore, there is
the concern that a long time will be needed in order to send-out
the fuel (the responsiveness will deteriorate). However, in the
present embodiment, the fuel GS can be sent-out to the exterior in
a short time from the driving of the fuel pump main body 42 (the
responsiveness of the sending-out of fuel is good).
[0104] Further, for example, in the initial state of the automobile
in which this fuel supplying device 12 is installed (when the
automobile is shipped-out from the factory, or the like), there is
also the possibility that there will be a state in which, as shown
in FIG. 6A, the fuel GS exists only in the first fuel accommodating
portion 38M and the fuel GS does not exist in the second fuel
accommodating portion 38S (the interior of the second sub-cup 15S
(including the fuel filter 16)).
[0105] When the fuel pump main body 42 is driven in this state,
because the fuel GS exists within the first fuel filter 16M, this
fuel GS can be sent-out to the exterior. Moreover, the fuel GS that
contains vapor within the fuel pump main body 42 is made to flow
from the vapor discharging port through the vapor discharging pipe
64 as shown by arrow F5, and is discharged to the second storage
member 18S interior. Due thereto, the fuel GS is stored in a short
time within the second fuel filter 16S as well, and the oil film LM
is formed in a short time at the surface of the second fuel filter
16S. Therefore, the sucking-in of a vapor component from the second
fuel filter 16S through the fuel transporting pipe 52 can be
suppressed.
[0106] In particular, in the present embodiment, the float valve 54
is disposed at the fuel transporting pipe 52 at the portion within
the second fuel filter 16S. In the state in which the fuel GS of an
amount exceeding a predetermined amount exists within the second
fuel filter 16S, the float valve 54 is open (see FIG. 1B and FIG.
5B), and, in the state in which the fuel GS within the second fuel
filter 16S is less than or equal to the predetermined amount, as
shown in FIG. 6B, the float valve 54 falls, and the lower end
portion of the fuel transporting pipe 52 is closed. Therefore, in
the above-described initial state or the like, a vapor component
being sucked from the second fuel filter 16S through the fuel
transporting pipe 52 can be suppressed more reliably.
[0107] Further, the float valve 54 is provided at the fuel
transporting pipe 52 at the lowermost end portion within the second
fuel filter 16S. When the float valve 54 is provided at a position
other than the lowermost end portion, a vapor component exists at
the portion between the lowermost end portion and the float valve
54 (a portion of the fuel transporting pipe 52), and this becomes
so-called dead gas, and there is the concern that the dead gas will
be sent to the fuel pump main body 42. However, in the present
embodiment, the generation of such dead gas also can be
suppressed.
[0108] Note that, even if flowing-in of a vapor component into the
fuel transporting pipe 52 is suppressed in this way, it is also
assumed that, in the above-described initial state (at the time of
being shipped-out from the factory) or in cases in which the amount
of fuel of the second fuel accommodating portion 38S becomes
extremely low, a vapor component, such as a few air bubbles or the
like, will flow into the fuel transporting pipe 52.
[0109] In the present embodiment, the jet pump 68 is provided at
the fuel transporting pipe 52, and air bubbles or the like within
the fuel transporting pipe 52 can be moved through the
communication portion 74 to the vapor discharging pipe 64 (the air
bubbles that have moved to the vapor discharging pipe 64 are
discharged into the storage member 18 of the second fuel
accommodating portion 38S). Due thereto, a vapor component being
sent from the second fuel accommodating portion 38S to the fuel
pump main body 42 can be suppressed, and therefore, the
responsiveness at the time of sending-out fuel to the exterior
improves.
[0110] In particular, the communication portion 74 is disposed at
the highest position of the fuel transporting pipe 52. Therefore,
air bubbles within the fuel transporting pipe 52 can be effectively
moved to the vapor discharging pipe 64.
[0111] Note that, in the present invention, as can be understood
from the above explanation, essentially, a portion of the fuel GS
is discharged into the second storage member 18S from a portion of
the fuel delivery pipe 44 that is for sending the fuel GS out to
the exterior. Accordingly, the above-described various types of
structures (e.g., the structure of providing an opening/closing
valve (the float valve 54) at the fuel transporting pipe 52, the
structure of setting the pressure loss of the fuel suction pipe 44A
to be greater than the pressure loss of the fuel transporting pipe
52, the structure of providing the jet pump 68, to which negative
pressure from the vapor discharging pipe 64 is applied, at the fuel
transporting pipe 52, and the like) can be appropriately (not
necessarily all of them) combined with this essential
structure.
[0112] Further, in the above description, an example is given of a
structure in which the vapor discharging pipe 64, that discharges
the fuel GS that includes vapor that is from the fuel pump main
body 42, is discharged within the second storage member 18S, i.e.,
the vapor discharging pipe 64 structures the return pipe of the
present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to
this structure.
[0113] For example, as in a fuel supplying device 92 of a second
embodiment that is shown in FIG. 7, the distal end of the return
pipe 50, that is for discharging the return fuel from the pressure
regulator 48, may be positioned within the second storage member
18S. In the structure of this modified example, the return fuel is
stored within the second storage member 18S, and the fuel GS, that
includes vapor that is from the vapor discharging pipe 64, is
discharged into the first storage member 18M. Namely, the return
pipe 50 structures the sending-back pipe of the present
invention.
[0114] Note that, other than the above, the fuel supplying device
92 of the second embodiment is structured the same as the fuel
supplying device 12 of the first embodiment, and therefore,
detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0115] The opening/closing valve of the present invention is not
limited to the above-described float valve 54. For example, a
sensor that senses the amount of fuel may be provided within the
second fuel filter 16S, and the opening/closing valve may be an
electromagnetic valve that is opened and closed in accordance with
the amount of fuel detected by this sensor.
[0116] Further, the fuel tank main body in the present invention is
not limited to the saddle-shaped fuel tank having the first fuel
accommodating portion 38M and the second fuel accommodating portion
38S such as described above. In other words, the accommodating
portion at which the fuel pump main body 42 is provided is the
first fuel accommodating portion (the first fuel accommodating
portion 38M in the above-described embodiment), and the
accommodating portion at which the fuel pump main body 42 is not
provided is the second fuel accommodating portion (the second fuel
accommodating portion 38S in the above-described embodiment). A
plurality of each of the first fuel accommodating portion and
second fuel accommodating portion may be provided.
[0117] Moreover, the structure of the fuel tank main body in the
present invention also is not limited to a saddle-shaped fuel tank.
For example, there may be a structure in which the first fuel
accommodating portion and the second fuel accommodating portion of
the present invention are formed in the shapes of boxes that are
separate bodies that are independent of one another, and the fuel
transporting pipe 52 and the return pipe (the vapor discharging
pipe 64 or the return pipe 50 in the above-described embodiments)
are provided therebetween.
[0118] The relationship between the storage member 18, and the fuel
suction pipe 44A and the fuel transporting pipe 52, also is not
limited to that described above. For example, at the first fuel
accommodating portion 38M, there may be a structure in which the
fuel suction pipe 44A passes-through the cover plate portion 22 at
a position that is different than the flow-in hole 24 of the cover
plate portion 22. Similarly, at the second fuel accommodating
portion 38S, there may be a structure in which the fuel
transporting pipe 52 passes-through the cover plate portion 22 at a
position that is different than the flow-in hole 24 of the cover
plate portion 22.
[0119] Further, there may be a structure in which the storage
member 18 does not cover a portion of the fuel filter 16 (as seen
from above, a portion of the fuel filter 16 juts-out to the outer
side from the storage member 18). In this case, if the fuel suction
pipe 44A or the fuel transporting pipe 52 is connected to the
jutting-out portion of the fuel filter 16 (the exterior of the
storage member 18), there can be a structure in which the fuel
suction pipe 44A or the fuel transporting pipe 52 does not
pass-through the cover plate portion 22.
* * * * *